Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on Friday regretted that some public commentators make baseless assertions on the economy.

He, therefore, stressed the need for academics to be more involved in conversations that would deepen public knowledge and understanding of the economy.

According to a statement by his spokesman, Laolu Akande, the Vice President spoke in his keynote at the 61st annual conference of the Nigerian Economic Society with the theme, ‘African Continental Free Trade Area in post COVID-19 era: What next for Nigeria?’

Akande’s statement was titled, ‘Africa should use AfCFTA as template for trade negotiations with rest of the world, says Osinbajo.’

He quoted Osinbajo as calling on members of NES to be more engaged in public policy debates.

He said, “I find it every often that some public commentators make assertions that have no basis in economic theory or practice, and because they dominate the public space, they contribute to public misunderstanding of economic principles and their application to public policy.

“Some of you should take up the gauntlet and help to shape an informed and reasoned national discourse on the economy.”

Osinbajo noted that as African countries brace up for the implementation of AfCFTA agreement, efforts must be made to ensure that trade negotiations with the rest of the world are based on the free trade agreement rather than deals separately endorsed by regional economic blocs.

This, he said, was one of the ways by which the continent could maximise the benefits of the agreement.

He said, “One important objective of the AfCFTA is to overcome the economic fragmentation of the continent by bringing the regional economic blocs together in a common arrangement.

“This being the case, African countries should look to negotiating trade treaties with other parts of the world on the basis of AfCFTA rather than through arbitrarily designed regional blocs.

“African countries should not allow themselves to be lured into arrangements which do not serve their long-term development objectives.


“We must, of course, continue to bear in mind, especially here in Nigeria that the AfCFTA is not a magic wand that automatically brings about growth and prosperity.

“The reality is that if care is not taken, trade liberalisation can expose the Nigerian economy to unfair competition and sharp trade practices, with adverse consequences for our producers who might have to close down their businesses, and for our workers who would then lose their jobs.”

Osinbajo said the successful implementation of the AfCFTA required financing to address various implementation challenges and to promote arrangements in support of integration.

https://punchng.com/some-public-commentators-make-baseless-assertions-says-osinbajo/?amp=1

God bless Professor emeritus of Law and our amiable Vice President

Ok

Your political position is a product of baseless assertions made by ApC propagandists such as lie mohammed in 2015.

Speaking from experience.

Man of the people

What should we expect when we are not getting reliable information about the state of our economy from the government?

Big fool!

What is baseless about their assertions?

That the subsidy that GEJ removed in 2012 and introduced SURE-P to reinvest the money freed up from there and you guys protested, is what you removing in 2020 and talking gibberish about reinvesting the fund in refineries rebuilding.

Or that at the same time you are removing subsidy on petroleum product, you sanctioned the increase of the cost of electricity by over 100% thereby throwing the populace into double hardship.

While these things are necessary, it's the double standard that stinks.

For everything you fools criticized GEJ, you have double.

Fools and zombies will still cheer!

azmanaty02:
Midget mere commissioner

But you would "beg to apply" tor the position of his houseboy.

GavelSlam:


But you would "beg to apply" tor the position of his houseboy.

U think I can behave like ur father?

Awol1:
Big fool!

What is baseless about their assertions?

That the subsidy that GEJ removed in 2012 and introduced SURE-P to reinvest the money freed up from there and you guys protested, is what you removing in 2020 and talking gibberish about reinvesting the fund in refineries rebuilding.

Or that at the same time you are removing subsidy on petroleum product, you sanctioned the increase of the cost of electricity by over 100% thereby throwing the populace into double hardship.

While these things are necessary, it's the double standard that stinks.

For everything you fools criticized GEJ, you have double.

Fools and zombies will still cheer!

Exactly what he means.

If Jonathan was sincere why did he back down from what he knew was right?

By the way, was there APC in 2012?

Divinely anointed awaiting president of the federal republic of Nigeria

azmanaty02:


U think I can behave like ur father?

Because you don't know yours.

Speaking from good experience. Best VP Osinbajo ever.

GavelSlam:


Because you don't know yours.

So u will also come out if they start calling people with father?? That ur drunk good for nothing daft..

azmanaty02:


So u will also come out if they start calling people with father?? That ur drunk good for nothing daft..

Why are revealing what killed youra on this forum?

Who cares about him?

GavelSlam:


Why are revealing what killed youra on this forum?

Who cares about him?

I am talking about ur daft father. Stop rejecting him coz he's a disgrace. Don't just be like him ok.
I know u were born in a brothel, but u can make it. Brake the jinx my boy

GavelSlam:


Exactly what he means.

If Jonathan was sincere why did he back down from what he knew was right?

By the way, was there APC in 2012?

GEJ backed down when your drug baron lord organized thousands of persons at Ojota to protest and used Lagos- Ibadan expressway press to bend every narrative.

You are asking if there was APC in 2012?

Now, while Tinubu organized a protest at Ojota, did Buhari and Elrufai not organize a similar protest in Kaduna?

Who are the national leaders of APC again?

So nobody as told Osinbajo that he has failed himself.

azmanaty02:
Midget mere commissioner

Don't let hate becloud your reasoning

azmanaty02:


I am talking about ur daft father. Stop rejecting him coz he's a disgrace. Don't just be like him ok.
I know u were born in a brothel, but u can make it. Brake the jinx my boy

Greet your mother for me.

Lamasta:

Don't let hate becloud your reasoning

Noted sir.
I have deleted d comment

But it was convinient for you in 2015 to feed us with baseless promises ba ?